How to Craft Your Essay for the Lila Hellier Dole Dance Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across these four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your journey in dance. What experiences have shaped your passion? Consider pivotal moments, mentors, or challenges you faced.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your dance career. Use metrics where possible (e.g., performances, competitions, or roles). Highlight your responsibilities and the outcomes of your efforts.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you lack and how further study at NIU will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about skills or knowledge you wish to acquire and how they will enhance your contributions to the dance community.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that illustrate your commitment to dance and your aspirations.

Structuring Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Each section should have a purpose and contribute to your overall narrative:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your dance journey. Engage the reader immediately.
2. Background and Achievements: Discuss your background and achievements in dance. Use specific examples to show how these experiences have prepared you for further study.
3. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you hope to gain from the scholarship and how it will impact your future.
4. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a positive impact in the dance community.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice and keep your language precise. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, ensuring clarity and coherence. Use transitions to guide the reader through your narrative, showing logical progression from one section to the next.

Revision and Reflection: The “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back to revise. Ask yourself: What has changed in you through your dance experiences? Why does this matter to the committee? Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, emphasizing your growth and future potential.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these mistakes:

• Avoid generic statements that lack specificity.
• Steer clear of passive voice; focus on active constructions.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your achievements.
• Refrain from using clichés; strive for originality in your expression.